Respiratory Illness Guidance
In March 2024, the CDC and New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) issued updated recommendations on when to stay home and return to normal activities after respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV.
When to Stay Home
Individuals should stay home and away from others if they have respiratory virus symptoms that are not better explained by another cause. These symptoms can include:
Fever
Chills
Fatigue
Cough
Runny nose
Headache
When to Return to Normal Activities
Individuals with respiratory infections can go back to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours—
their symptoms are improving overall, and
they no longer have a fever without the use of fever-reducing medication.
When going back to normal activities, individuals should take added precautions over the next five days, especially when they will be around older adults, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. Such precautions include:
Practicing enhanced hygiene (e.g., covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing hands often, cleaning frequently touched surfaces)
Taking steps for cleaner air (e.g., bringing in more fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, gathering outdoors)
